Learning To Breathe

Switchfoot's song 'Learning To Breathe' is a poignant exploration of personal renewal and the quest for spiritual and emotional rebirth. The lyrics open with a greeting, 'Hello, good morning, how you do?' which sets a tone of new beginnings and fresh starts. The singer expresses a desire for a fresh beginning, acknowledging past regrets and the need for change. This sets the stage for the central theme of the song: the process of learning to live anew, symbolized by the act of breathing.

The chorus, 'I'm learning to breathe, I'm learning to crawl,' metaphorically represents the singer's journey of rediscovery and growth. Breathing and crawling are fundamental, almost primal actions, suggesting a return to basics and a rebuilding of the self from the ground up. The line 'I'm finding that you and you alone can break my fall' indicates a reliance on a higher power or a significant other for support and salvation. This dependency is further emphasized by the repeated assertion that the singer is 'living again, awake and alive,' highlighting a newfound vitality and awareness.

The recurring imagery of 'abundant skies' evokes a sense of vastness and limitless potential. It suggests that the singer is not just surviving but thriving, eager to embrace the fullness of life. The song's closing lines reiterate the importance of this journey, with the singer affirming their need, love, and commitment. 'Learning To Breathe' is ultimately a song about hope, resilience, and the transformative power of love and faith, capturing the essence of starting over and finding strength in vulnerability.